Very few people know that late Monkees star Davy Jones appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show when he was only 19 years old. Jones was cast as the “Artful Dodger” of the hit Broadway play Oliver! During that performance Jones sang “I’d Do Anything” with the entire cast.

Fortuitously, Davy Jones and the cast of Oliver! appeared on one of the most famous airings of the Ed Sullivan Show ever. It was the landmark episode in which The Beatles made their American TV debut on February 9, 1964.

Just one year later, Jones would be cast in the comedy show The Monkees, which was inspired by The Beatles success. The show became an immediate hit with high ratings and the group became a chart topper with hits like “Last Train to Clarksville,” “I’m a Believer,” “Stepping Stone” and “Pleasant Valley Sunday.” Jones played the tambourine in the band and was the lead singer of the classics “Daydream Believer” and “I Want To Be Free.” Some of the best songwriters of the time, including Neil Diamond and Carole King, penned many of The Monkees’ top hits.

By the end of the 1960’s, the popularity of The Monkees had reached incredible levels. The television series ended in 1968 and Davy Jones went on to pursue a solo career.

This week, Davy Jones passed away at the age of 66. It is indeed a great loss, but he will always be remembered for the great performer he was and his talent will continue to live on forever.